Chennai: The Tiruvannamalai district administration has banned devotees from climbing the Arunachaleswarar hill during this year’s Karthigai Deepam festival due to heavy rainfall alerts and continuing landslide risks along the trekking route.

The district is currently under an orange alert as heavy rain linked to Cyclone Ditwah is expected. According to the administration, the Geological Survey of India has warned that the path up the hill remains unstable, with loose rocks posing a danger at locations where landslides occurred previously. Authorities said the climb would be unsafe for the large number of devotees who usually trek to witness the lighting of the Maha Deepam.

“Based on the cyclone alert and the expert committee report, climbing the hill by devotees is temporarily prohibited this year as well, for their safety,” the administration said.

Devotees have been urged not to attempt climbing the hill under any circumstances. Police, forest and revenue departments have been instructed to maintain round-the-clock surveillance along the route to prevent unauthorised entry and ensure compliance with the ban. Additional personnel will be deployed during peak festival hours to manage crowds in and around the temple town.

This year’s Karthigai Deepam festival began on November 24, with the major rituals scheduled for December 3. The Bharani Deepam will be lit inside the Arunachaleswarar temple in the early hours of December 3, followed by the Maha Deepam on the hilltop later that evening.

Traditionally, thousands of devotees climb the hill to witness the Maha Deepam being lit. This year, however, they will be allowed to observe the ritual only from ground level in view of safety concerns.

The restrictions come a year after heavy rains triggered by Cyclone Michaung caused multiple landslides on the hill in 2024, claiming seven lives. Climbing was banned following the tragedy, and expert teams later concluded that extensive stabilisation work was needed on the trail.

With the pathway still not fully restored and weather conditions worsening, the district administration has opted to impose a complete ban again for 2025. Officials said the decision was taken to protect lives and ensure the festival proceeds safely, even under altered arrangements.

IANS